11/02/2007
Early voting begins
Early voting for the Louisiana general election ends Nov. 10, with the general election on Nov. 17. We still have one statewide race for the attorney general's office, and many legislative races that need to be decided. Make sure you not only vote, but also encourage friends and family to do the same.
Health care conference in December: NFIB members receive a discount
Members of the National Federation of Independent Business are invited to register for a conference on "Consumerism in Health Benefits," to be conducted Wednesday, December 5, at the Hilton New Orleans Airport by the Louisiana Association of Health Plans. Much of the conference will focus on employers' use of consumer-driven health benefits to address the issues of quality and affordability. Kathy Bartow, director of benefit programs for Fujitsu America, Inc., will share her company's experience over the past several years. Other prominent nationally known speakers will be on the program as well.
NFIB members qualify for a special registration rate. Read about program and registration details.
Federal legislation update
NFIB is closely watching several pieces of legislation that if enacted will affect small business.
Tax Reduction and Reform Act (H.R.3970).
The bill includes some good provisions-such as a permanent repeal of the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) and a permanent extension of section 179 expensing – the bill also includes a number of provisions that NFIB has serious concerns about. In particular, the bill raises the individual income tax on many small business owners making over $150,000 ($200,000 for joint filers) and raises the self employment tax on many small businesses structured as S Corps and partnerships. House Committee today approves AMT patch. Read the full story.
TAA extension and expansion
This week, the House of Representatives will vote on the Trade and Globalization Assistance Act of 2007 (H.R. 3920). This bill will extend and expand the expiring Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. TAA provides relief to workers who have been negatively impacted by imports, through job training and a health care tax credit. H.R. 3920 also includes an expansion of the federal unemployment insurance program, which the NFIB is sending a letter opposing this provision. Specifically, the bill extends the .2 percent surtax on unemployment taxes. This surtax was originally enacted as a temporary tax to payback money withdrawn from the Unemployment Insurance trust fund. The NFIB has consistently opposed extending this unnecessary surtax. In addition, the bill provides increased payments to state that expand their unemployment benefits to include part-time workers, as well as workers who have lost their jobs as a result of a family situation. NFIB members have consistently opposed expansion of these benefits.
Diverse coalition forms alliance
NFIB will join AARP, the Service Employees International Union and the Business Roundtable -- which represents chief executives of major companies -- in an umbrella group called Divided We Fail. The effort is aimed at ensuring that healthcare and retirement security are at the top of the presidential candidates' domestic agendas next year. Read more.
